Great Yarmouth, a popular seaside resort in Norfolk, has introduced new rules aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. The move comes after a survey revealed that many residents and visitors wanted to feel safer while enjoying the town. The Great Yarmouth Borough Council has extended the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to cover a wider range of problems, giving authorities more powers to manage various disruptive behaviours in the area.
The PSPO, which was originally focused on tackling street drinking, has now been expanded to address other issues like public urination, defecation, swearing, intimidation, and problems caused by e-bikes. Additionally, the order includes provisions for tackling begging.
James Wilson, the council’s head of environment, explained that the extension of the order was necessary to make the town more welcoming for both residents and visitors. “These actions were needed to deal with the growing number of issues that have been affecting people’s enjoyment of the town,” he said.
The new rules grant police officers and council staff additional powers to issue warnings and fines for anyone found violating the PSPO. In extreme cases, individuals may face arrest. The PSPO applies to the entire borough, covering areas like Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Caister-on-Sea, and Hemsby. This wide-reaching order aims to make these areas safer and more pleasant for everyone.
A First Day with Increased Police Presence
On the first day of the new PSPO, the town centre saw additional police officers patrolling the streets. Sgt. Dan Smith, who has served in the area for over 24 years, emphasized that Great Yarmouth is “incredibly safe.” However, he acknowledged that many people did not always feel that way.
“We want the town to prosper, not just for the residents but also for the visitors. Tourists are vital to the local economy,” said Sgt. Smith. He pointed out that many people visit Great Yarmouth for a family-friendly experience, and ensuring safety is key to maintaining the town’s appeal.
“It’s about making sure people can have a great experience here,” he added. “Just like you wouldn’t see someone walking around with a drink at places like Legoland or Alton Towers, we want to make sure people have the same type of experience in Great Yarmouth.”
Business Owners’ Reactions
Local business owners have also expressed their opinions about the new anti-social behaviour rules. One such business owner is Godwin Roshin, who runs a convenience shop near the Market Place. He shared his frustration with the frequent street drinkers who regularly harass his customers. “You can’t control them; you get new faces every week,” he said, explaining that it’s not just a matter of one or two individuals causing trouble.
Although Roshin had previously reported these issues to the police, he expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the new rules. “I’m not sure – give me another week and I’ll tell you,” he said, showing a mix of hope and skepticism about whether the new PSPO would lead to lasting change.
Public Support for Tougher Measures
Despite some business owners remaining uncertain, many residents and visitors in Great Yarmouth have welcomed the new anti-social behaviour rules. Tom Fisher, a local resident, shared his experience of being verbally abused and threatened by a man begging in the Market Place. “He was effing and blinding, and I just ignored it. There should be police here all the time,” Fisher said. His experience reflects the need for more visible law enforcement in the town.
Mary Collins, who was shopping with her son, expressed concern about the behaviour she had witnessed during school holidays. “It’s not very nice to see someone peeing up a wall, especially with all the holidaymakers around,” she said. Her comments reflect the frustrations felt by many who want to see the town remain family-friendly and appealing to tourists.
Tia Smith, another local resident, strongly supported the new rules. “I 100% agree with the order coming into effect,” she said. Smith pointed out that she would prefer to walk down the street without encountering public drinking. “If you want to drink, just drink in a pub or at home. It’s better for everyone.”
What the New Rules Mean for the Future
The introduction of the new PSPO in Great Yarmouth signals a stronger effort by local authorities to combat anti-social behaviour. The aim is to create a safer and more welcoming environment for both residents and tourists. As the town continues to recover from the challenges brought on by the pandemic, maintaining public safety and improving the visitor experience are key priorities.
With the backing of local residents and business owners, the new rules may help Great Yarmouth regain its reputation as a family-friendly resort. However, the effectiveness of the PSPO remains to be seen. Whether or not the increased police presence and tougher measures will reduce anti-social behaviour in the long run is something that both the council and the community will be watching closely.
As this initiative moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the local authorities balance enforcement with ensuring that Great Yarmouth remains an attractive destination for tourists, families, and businesses alike.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
